Pharaoh Cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis)

Also known as Cephalopod, Large Striped Cuttlefish

Description

Also known as Cephalopod, Large Striped Cuttlefish.

Found in shallow waters, over sand and seagrass beds, of coral and rocky reefs. Colourful changes in display to match surroundings, and deter predators.
They feed on crustaceans and small fish.
Length - 33cm
Depth - 0-130m
Widespread Mediterranean, Indo-West Pacific

Cuttlefish possess the ability to swim in different manners, usually gently rippling their side fins. However when in danger, the cuttlefish sucks water into their body cavity and expels it through a funnel like extension on the underside of the body, causing a backward propulsion enabling the cuttlefish to escape from predators.
They are also able to shoot a cloud of black ink at predators when threatened.
They feed by catching their prey by two powerful tentacles which shoot out from beneath the creatures eyes. The prey is then pulled toward the animal's strong beak and crushed before consuming.
Cuttlefish gather in their hundreds of thousands to spawn.
Males can only produce once and the females die shortly after laying their eggs. Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharaoh_cuttlefish

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